

File photo of Lang Lang. [Photo: Xinhua]
Famed Chinese Pianist Lang Lang was named New York City's first-ever Cultural Tourism Ambassador by Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday, as part of the U.S.-China Tourism Year events that promote travel and tourism between the United States and China.
Lang was also inducted into the Ride of Fame by the Grey Line Company, which operates the city's iconic double-decker sightseeing buses. He was also presented with a double-decker bus, with a permanent artwork and a special seat decorated with his photo and signature.
"I'm so excited, today will be a very long and beautiful memory that stays in my mind forever," Lang said at the induction ceremony on Sixth Avenue between 43rd and 44th Street outside Steinway Hall in the Borough of Manhattan.
Lang said as the city's Cultural Tourism Ambassador, he will invite friends from China to New York City and enjoy the best classical music and cultural events.
He will also encourage friends and fans to travel to China and experience the wonderful culture there.
New York City also proclaimed Sept. 20, 2016 as "Lang Lang Day" in the city.
In 2015, 2.67 million Chinese visited the United States. "New York City is definitely the #1 dream destination in 2016 for Chinese travelers," said Pierre Gervois, Publisher of the Shanghai travelers' Club magazine.
He said the attractivity of New York City is extremely strong for all categories of Chinese travelers, from Chinese real estate investors to students.
Home-made plane completes test flight in Chicago
The untold stories of women in the Long March
Female soldiers on Frigate Jingzhou
Top 10 most beautiful Chinese athletes in Rio
Shenzhen seizes 549 tons of illegally smuggled clothing
Chinese actor Wang Baoqiang divorces wife, fires manager
Hangzhou: host city of G20 Summit
New hovercrafts debut in landing exercise
Woman sets Guinness World Record with 17-month-long pregnancy
Top 10 livable Chinese cities
Top 20 hottest women in the world in 2014
Top 10 hardest languages to learn
China’s Top 10 Unique Bridges, Highways and Roads
China must stay out of Peninsula chaos
Olympic champion transforms lives of rural family, inspires positive view of daughters
Panda 'naprobatics'
Expats explain how they deal with regional stereotypes from locals and other foreigners and how it affects their daily livesDay|Week